Ogof Fawr

Location

Grid Reference: SN 985096

Altitude: 320m

Meaning "Large Cave", Ogof Fawr lies in Cwm Cadlan, on a rarely visited area of moorland between the Merthyr Tydfil and Penderyn. The cave is approximately 1.5km up the valley from Ogof Fechan.

Ogof Fawr depression and sink – Photo by Rhys Williams

Access

No known access restrictions.

Description

Length: 1.1km

Depth: 76m

This is an impressive site in a large depression with a sizeable stream sinking. The site is being dug by Tony Donovan and Paul Quill of SWCC (2008). The water sinking here has been dye traced to Llygad Cynon 3.5km way and 80m lower in elevation.

In December 2008, Descent magazine reported that the cave had been extended to 1-2km with 500m so far having been surveyed. This represents a significant breakthrough for the area.

The unstable and flood prone entrance digs are hoped to be bypassed shortly by the opening of a new entrance nearby.

History

References

• Limestones and Caves of Wales – Edited by Trevor D. Ford. Chapter 14 - “The caves of the Mellte and Hepste Valleys area” by Tony Waltham & D. G. Everett, Pages 163-164. ISBN 0-521-32438-6

• Descent magazine, issue 201, April/May 2008, pages 20-22. Article by Tony Donovan - "So near, yet so fawr"

• Descent magazine, issue 205, December 2008/January 2009, page 13, Wales news - "New entrance for Ogof Fawr"

• Ogof Fawr on UK Caves database.